Sundowns Victorious But Faces Injury Setback After Magesi Match

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated 10-man Magesi FC 3-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, moving to the top of the Betway Premiership.

This was the only league game played over the weekend, which was primarily reserved for the MTN8 final, won by Orlando Pirates against Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Sundowns capitalized fully on the opportunity, claiming the top spot with 14 points from six matches, one point ahead of second-place Sekhukhune United and third-place Kaizer Chiefs.

Interestingly, Sekhukhune and Chiefs will face off on Tuesday at FNB Stadium in a match that could see one of them return to the top of the league.

This was the second time Sundowns and Magesi have met in the league this season. Sundowns also won the reverse fixture 2-0 on 20 August, where Peter Shalulile equaled Siyabonga Nomvethe’s record of 129 PSL goals before breaking it in the following game against Stellenbosch.

Magesi, coached by John Maduka, started strong, with Wonderboy Makhubu breaking free from Mosa Lebusa, but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a key save. However, Sundowns quickly showed their clinical nature.

In the 22nd minute, Thapelo Morena’s shot was headed wide until it was intercepted by an unmarked Kutlwano Letlhaku, who slid in to score. Letlhaku took full advantage of Magesi’s passive defense to put Sundowns ahead.

Magesi’s Red Card and Sundowns’ Dominance

Things went from bad to worse for Magesi when they were reduced to ten men. Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Darpoh, who had already received an early yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Marcelo Allende, was sent off just before halftime after another foul on Arthur Sales.

This meant Magesi faced an uphill battle in the second half, although they had famously overcome a one-goal deficit with 11 players in a Carling Knockout final last season.

Sundowns almost doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Iqraam Rayners, in a moment of unselfishness, headed a clip-ball from Morena back into the box instead of shooting, but his pass didn’t find a teammate.

Makhubu had a rare chance to equalize for Magesi but hesitated and was pressured by the Sundowns defense, sending his shot wide.

The good news for Sundowns was the return of their captain, Themba Zwane, who came on as a substitute after being out with an injury since 16 August against Pirates in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final.

Rayners, having missed his earlier opportunity, quickly redeemed himself. He scored his first goal in the 66th minute, hooking home a cross from Morena, who earned his second assist of the game. Rayners then sealed the victory in the 74th minute, scoring his second goal of the night with a header from an Aubrey Modiba free kick.

Unfortunately, the night took a sour turn for Sundowns when Zwane left the pitch limping, appearing emotional. The veteran midfielder, who also missed two recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Bafana Bafana, seems set for another spell on the sidelines.